UK Visa Fees Set to Increase from October 4, 2023

From October 4, 2023, the UK will raise fees for immigration and nationality services. These changes are a result of recent legislation in Parliament.

Why are  UK immigration and visa fees rising?

People seeking visas, residency, or UK citizenship usually have to pay fees. Over the past two decades, these fees have gone up significantly. Before 2003, the UK didn’t charge anything for visa extensions, work permits, or residency. Initial visa and citizenship fees were low, like £33 for a student visa.

Now, visa application fees are much higher, and the government has added extra costs for certain immigrants and sponsors, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).

The upcoming fee hikes in October have faced opposition from many immigrants and businesses, who argue that fees are already too high. A 2021 report by the Royal Society found that the UK’s upfront immigration costs are higher than those in many other countries.

The UK government intentionally charges more than the cost of processing applications to fund the broader immigration system. However, the latest fee increases aim to allocate more funds for public sector pay increases.

UK Visa Fee Changes by Visa Category:

1. Work Visas: Fees for work route visas will increase by 15%. For example, a three-year Skilled Worker visa will cost £719 for overseas applicants or £827 for in-country applicants, a 15% increase in both cases. Fees for other sponsored work visas will also rise by 15%.
2. Study Visas: Applying for a Student or Child Student visa from outside the UK will increase from £363 to £490, a 35% rise. The fee for a Graduate visa will increase from £715 to £822, a 15% increase.
3. Visit Visas: Most visit visa fees will increase by 15%. A Standard Visitor visa for up to six months will cost £115, up from £100. Fees for longer-term visit visas will also go up.
4. Sponsorship Fees: Fees for Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) and Confirmations of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) will increase by 19-20%.
5. Nationality and Settlement Fees: Fees for settlement and citizenship applications will rise by 20%.
6. Priority Services: Fees for Priority Visa and Super Priority Visa services will be standardized at £500 and £1,000, respectively.

Advice for Applicants:

If you plan to apply for a UK visa soon, consider doing it before October 4 to avoid the higher fees. Call us at 1800 419 3242 to get detailed information related to it